Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1887-01-31
HOME FOR THE HEROES.
The New soldiers Home Considered
a Burden--The Government Asked
to Accept it--something Of Interest
About the Home

a Burden--The Government Asked
to Accept it--something Of Interest
About the Home.
At the time when many cities of the
state were struggling for the location of
the Soldiers home, Rock Island
made an honest fight against fate TO Sc
cure the institution. and there was great
deal of disappointment when the com>
missioners, after several weeks of useless
balloting. decided in favor of Quincy.
The other coutesting points looked upon
the gem city with envy, but now ii looks
as if there might be some satisfaction in
Rock Islands failure to get the home af-
ter ALL
Although the erection of the home was
brought about apparently by patriotic
and grateful motives and accompanied
by evidences of the same that seemed to
be genuine, the institution has already,
in the minds of some. become a burden
to the state. A movement is under
Roadway asking the general government
to reimburse the state for its eXpendi-
lures in this behalf, and resolution was
introduced into the Illinois house in the
nature of an instruction to the delegation
in congress to see upon what terms the
government would. relieve Illinois of its
soldiers home. The resolution calls at
tention to the cost and present state of
tiou 100000 were originally appropria-
ted. The commission want $40, 900 for
immediate use in fitting the home for
occupancy. and an appropriation of
$500, 900 for extensions and improve
ments. 10 these figures is an explanatio n
of th movement to sell out to Uncle Sam
1t would be sorry state of affairs if from
this expenditure some benefits were not
derived The home is so far advanced
toward completion that occupants
are expected within sixty days. All hons
orably discharged soldiers and sailors of
the Mexican war, or late war, having ems
listed from the state of Illinois, or who
are residents of the state from July, 1885,
no matter from what state they enlisted,
and who are so disabled so as to be unable
to earn livelihood. may be admitted to
the home. The matter Of pension is not
considered. All such who wish to enter
the home now, or may wish to within the
next two years. should address Gen. c.
E. Lippencott, riptendent, Quincy,
Illinois. Blank applications will be fur
nished Oh notification.
The rules covering inmates will of
course be such as to maintain good be-
havior, and proper discipline will be en-
forced, but no unreasonable restraint need
be expected Leaves of absence will be
granted, and any member of the home can
leave permanently if be so desires.
Probably the regulations will in many
respects be similar to those in force at
the National Homes, where it is the rule
to employ all who can be of service. and
allow moderate compensation for work
done. There are some persons who may
have the mistaken impression that this is
a kind of slmshouse, and its inmates are
the recipients of charity. Veterans ana
their friends should Danish any such
ideas. The state has established a home,
in fact as well as in name. for the benefit
of disabled soldiers and sailors who have
served the state and country faithfully,
and have earned the right TO be provided
for in their old age and infrmitv. No
one who is entitled to admission need
feel any sense OF obligation in accepting
place in the family of comrades, who
will gather together at that home.